Tuesday, July 4, 2017

[Botany • 2017] Coelogyne putaoensis • A New Species (Orchidaceae) from Myanmar

Coelogyne putaoensis, a new species of section Ocellatae from Putao, Kachin State, Myanmar, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to C. taronensis and C. weixiensis, presumably its nearest relatives. An identification key and colour photographs are provided. A preliminary risk-of-extinction assessment according to the IUCN Red List categories and criteria is given for the new species.

Figure 3. Close-up of flower of Coelogyne putaoensis, showing the white papillae on the two lateral lamellae.

Photo by X.H. Jin.

Coelogyne putaoensis X.H. Jin, L.A. Ye & Schuit., sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Coelogyne putaoensis is similar to C. taronensis and C. weixiensis, but can be distinguished by its solid yellowish brown sepals and petals, a brown lip with bright yellow markings, three keels extending from the base of the lip onto the mid-lobe, and lateral keels adorned with papillae.

Etymology: The new species is named after Putao, the northernmost town of Myanmar near which it was discovered in a vast area of unspoiled mountain forest.

Distribution and habitat: Coelogyne putaoensis is a predominantly epiphytic species that grows on moss-covered branches and tree trunks, sometimes also on rocks, in humid, broad-leaved, evergreen, montane forest, from 2500 to 3100 m elevation. At present, C. putaoensis is only known from the type locality.